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Checklist · Supply Chain

Supply Chain fundraising checklist — Step by Step 2026

Raising capital for your Supply Chain startup requires a strategic approach, especially considering the unique challenges of integration, scale, and adoption. This checklist provides a step-by-step guide to navigate the fundraising process effectively, focusing on key areas such as core operations, integrations, analytics, automation, and compliance.

50 checklist items 7 min read
Reviewed by Roman Trotsko & Denis TrotskoLast reviewed June 2026

Phase 01

Phase 1: Pre-Seed Preparation

10 tasks
  • 1.1
    critical1 week

    Define your Supply Chain problem and solution

    Clearly articulate the problem you're solving in the Supply Chain space and how your solution addresses it. Focus on quantifiable improvements in efficiency and cost reduction.

  • 1.2
    high4 weeks

    Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

    Build a functional MVP showcasing core features, integrations, and analytics capabilities. Use platforms like AWS Supply Chain or Blue Yonder Luminate for prototyping.

  • 1.3
    medium2 weeks

    Conduct initial market research

    Identify your target customer segment within the Supply Chain industry. Use industry reports from Gartner and Forrester to validate market size and potential.

  • 1.4
    critical1 week

    Create a compelling pitch deck

    Craft a pitch deck highlighting your team, problem, solution, market opportunity, and financial projections. Emphasize how your solution addresses pain points like integration and scale.

  • 1.5
    high2 weeks

    Build a financial model

    Develop a detailed financial model projecting revenue, expenses, and cash flow for the next 3-5 years. Factor in the costs of adoption and support.

  • 1.6
    medium1 week

    Establish a strong online presence

    Create a professional website and LinkedIn profile showcasing your team and solution. Share relevant content on supply chain trends and innovations.

  • 1.7
    lowOngoing

    Network with industry experts

    Attend industry events and conferences to connect with potential investors and advisors. Engage with supply chain leaders on LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • 1.8
    high4 weeks

    Secure initial customer validation

    Obtain testimonials and case studies from early adopters to demonstrate the value of your solution. Focus on quantifiable results like cost savings and efficiency gains.

  • 1.9
    medium1 week

    Prepare a data room

    Organize key documents, including your pitch deck, financial model, market research, and customer testimonials, in a secure data room.

  • 1.10
    criticalOngoing

    Practice your pitch

    Rehearse your pitch with potential investors and advisors. Refine your messaging based on their feedback. Focus on the core value proposition for Supply Chain.

Phase 02

Phase 2: Seed Round

10 tasks
  • 2.1
    high2 weeks

    Identify potential seed investors

    Research venture capital firms and angel investors specializing in Supply Chain technology. Use platforms like Crunchbase and PitchBook to identify relevant investors.

  • 2.2
    medium1 week

    Craft a targeted outreach strategy

    Personalize your outreach to each investor, highlighting the specific aspects of your solution that align with their investment thesis. Focus on integration capabilities and market traction.

  • 2.3
    high1 week

    Send initial outreach emails

    Send concise and compelling emails to potential investors, including a brief overview of your solution and a link to your pitch deck.

  • 2.4
    mediumOngoing

    Follow up with investors

    Follow up with investors who have not responded within a week. Be persistent but respectful of their time.

  • 2.5
    criticalOngoing

    Schedule investor meetings

    Schedule meetings with investors who express interest in your solution. Prepare to answer detailed questions about your technology, market, and team.

  • 2.6
    highOngoing

    Deliver compelling presentations

    Deliver engaging presentations to investors, highlighting the key benefits of your solution and your competitive advantages. Address concerns about cost and support.

  • 2.7
    criticalOngoing

    Answer investor questions

    Be prepared to answer tough questions about your business model, market opportunity, and competitive landscape. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Supply Chain industry.

  • 2.8
    high2 weeks

    Negotiate term sheets

    Negotiate the terms of the investment with interested investors. Seek legal advice to ensure that the terms are fair and reasonable.

  • 2.9
    critical1 week

    Close the funding round

    Finalize the legal documents and close the funding round. Ensure that you have a clear plan for using the funds to scale your business.

  • 2.10
    medium1 week

    Communicate with stakeholders

    Communicate the successful closing of your funding round to your team, customers, and partners. Highlight the key milestones you plan to achieve with the new capital.

Phase 03

Phase 3: Post-Seed Growth

10 tasks
  • 3.1
    highOngoing

    Expand your team

    Hire key personnel to support your growth, including engineers, sales representatives, and marketing specialists. Focus on expertise in Supply Chain technologies and integrations.

  • 3.2
    medium2 weeks

    Scale your infrastructure

    Invest in scalable infrastructure to support your growing customer base. Consider using cloud-based platforms like AWS or Azure.

  • 3.3
    highOngoing

    Enhance your product

    Continuously improve your product based on customer feedback and market trends. Focus on adding new features and integrations to meet the evolving needs of the Supply Chain industry.

  • 3.4
    mediumOngoing

    Expand your marketing efforts

    Increase your marketing efforts to reach a wider audience. Utilize content marketing, social media, and industry events to promote your solution.

  • 3.5
    criticalOngoing

    Increase sales

    Focus on increasing sales and generating revenue. Implement a sales process and provide training to your sales team.

  • 3.6
    highOngoing

    Monitor key metrics

    Track key metrics, such as customer acquisition cost, churn rate, and revenue per customer. Use data to make informed decisions about your business.

  • 3.7
    mediumOngoing

    Build strategic partnerships

    Forge strategic partnerships with other companies in the Supply Chain ecosystem. Leverage partnerships to expand your reach and offer complementary solutions.

  • 3.8
    highOngoing

    Prepare for Series A funding

    Begin preparing for your Series A funding round. Develop a detailed business plan and financial projections. Document adoption and customer support processes.

  • 3.9
    medium1 week

    Refine your pitch deck

    Update your pitch deck with the latest information about your business, including your progress since the seed round and your plans for the future.

  • 3.10
    lowOngoing

    Network with Series A investors

    Start networking with venture capital firms that specialize in Series A investments. Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential investors.

Phase 04

Phase 4: Series A Fundraising

10 tasks
  • 4.1
    high2 weeks

    Identify Series A investors

    Research venture capital firms that specialize in Series A investments in the Supply Chain sector. Focus on firms with a track record of success in the industry.

  • 4.2
    critical2 weeks

    Prepare due diligence materials

    Gather all necessary due diligence materials, including financial statements, customer contracts, and legal documents. Ensure compliance documentation is readily available.

  • 4.3
    highOngoing

    Conduct investor meetings

    Schedule and conduct meetings with potential Series A investors. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your business model, market, and team.

  • 4.4
    high2 weeks

    Negotiate term sheets

    Negotiate the terms of the investment with interested investors. Seek legal advice to ensure that the terms are fair and reasonable.

  • 4.5
    critical1 week

    Close the funding round

    Finalize the legal documents and close the Series A funding round. Ensure that you have a clear plan for using the funds to scale your business.

  • 4.6
    medium1 week

    Communicate with stakeholders

    Communicate the successful closing of your funding round to your team, customers, and partners. Highlight the key milestones you plan to achieve with the new capital.

  • 4.7
    highOngoing

    Scale your operations

    Invest in scaling your operations to meet the growing demand for your solution. Focus on improving efficiency and reducing costs. Address automation needs.

  • 4.8
    mediumOngoing

    Expand your market reach

    Expand your market reach by targeting new customer segments and geographies. Consider using international trade shows and conferences to promote your solution.

  • 4.9
    mediumOngoing

    Build a strong brand

    Invest in building a strong brand to differentiate yourself from the competition. Focus on creating a consistent brand message and visual identity.

  • 4.10
    highOngoing

    Prepare for future growth

    Continue to monitor key metrics and make adjustments to your business plan as needed. Prepare for future growth by building a strong team and infrastructure.

Phase 05

Phase 5: Long-Term Strategy

10 tasks
  • 5.1
    high2 weeks

    Develop a long-term vision

    Define a clear long-term vision for your company. Identify your goals for the next 5-10 years and develop a plan for achieving them. Focus on compliance.

  • 5.2
    critical2 weeks

    Build a sustainable business model

    Create a sustainable business model that can generate consistent revenue and profits. Consider using subscription or usage-based pricing models.

  • 5.3
    mediumOngoing

    Foster a strong company culture

    Cultivate a strong company culture that attracts and retains top talent. Focus on creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

  • 5.4
    lowOngoing

    Monitor industry trends

    Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies. Attend industry events and conferences to learn about new developments.

  • 5.5
    highOngoing

    Adapt to change

    Be prepared to adapt to change and adjust your business plan as needed. The Supply Chain industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to be flexible.

  • 5.6
    mediumOngoing

    Consider strategic acquisitions

    Explore strategic acquisitions to expand your product offerings and market reach. Identify companies that complement your existing business.

  • 5.7
    lowOngoing

    Prepare for an exit

    Begin preparing for a potential exit, such as an IPO or acquisition. Work with investment bankers and advisors to develop a plan.

  • 5.8
    lowOngoing

    Give back to the community

    Support the Supply Chain community by mentoring other startups, participating in industry events, and donating to relevant charities.

  • 5.9
    highOngoing

    Maintain strong relationships

    Maintain strong relationships with your customers, partners, and investors. These relationships will be critical to your long-term success.

  • 5.10
    lowOngoing

    Celebrate your success

    Take time to celebrate your successes and recognize the hard work of your team. Building a successful company is a challenging but rewarding journey.

Pro tips

  • Focus on solving a specific pain point in the Supply Chain industry, such as integration complexity or lack of real-time visibility.
  • Highlight the ROI of your solution by quantifying the cost savings and efficiency gains that customers can achieve.
  • Build a strong team with expertise in Supply Chain management, technology, and sales.
  • Develop a scalable and reliable platform that can handle the demands of large enterprises.
  • Establish partnerships with key players in the Supply Chain ecosystem to expand your reach and access new customers.

Frequently asked questions

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